Making a case for 3D printing for housing delivery in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 565-581 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas Aghimien ◽  
Clinton Aigbavboa ◽  
Lerato Aghimien ◽  
Wellington D. Thwala ◽  
Lebu Ndlovu
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Affordable Housing ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
National Development ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
The Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Satisfaction ◽  
The Government

Purpose Considering the need for standard and cost-effective housing delivery in South Africa, this study aims to make a case for three-dimensional (3D) printing in housing delivery through an assessment of the inherent benefits and the factors that could acts as barriers to its adoption. Design/methodology/approach The study used a survey of construction professionals currently actively involved in a construction project in the country. Analysis of data gathered was done using a four-step analysis approach and relevant descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted. Findings The study revealed through factor analysis that 3D printing in housing delivery promises better cost delivery, increased productivity and stakeholder satisfaction, socio-economic benefits, improved quality and faster housing delivery. While these benefits exist, factors such as technical and operational issues of the 3D printing itself, organizational and personnel issues as well as lack of awareness of the inherent benefits and understanding of the technology among stakeholders can prove to be barriers to the adoption of the technology. Practical implications In the quest to achieve standard and affordable housing which is part of its National Development Plan 2030, the government can adopt 3D printing which promises significant benefits in terms of cost, time, quality, productivity and stakeholders’ satisfaction. Property developers can also adopt the technology to improve their housing delivery, competitive advantage and the economic value of their properties. Originality/value The study contributes significantly to the body of knowledge as it reveals the benefits and barriers of adopting 3D printing in housing delivery in South Africa – an aspect that has not gained significant attention in the fourth industrial revolution and housing delivery discuss in the country.

The fourth industrial revolution: a game-changer for the tourism and maritime industries

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Kobina Armoo ◽  
Lanna-Gaye Franklyn-Green ◽  
Atneil J. Braham
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Printing Technology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
3D Printing Technology ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Dry Dock ◽  
Maritime Industries ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to examine the floating dry dock and 3D printing technologies in relation to the ways in which they have the potential to complement each other. This relates to how the tourism and maritime industries in Jamaica could become more robust and competitive. Design/methodology/approach This study used a qualitative approach through the application of personal interviews and data from secondary sources. Findings Although Jamaica is positioning itself to become one of the leading maritime and logistics centres in the world, the government has not fully taken advantage of the fourth industrial revolution and its enabling factors. The integration of the floating dry dock with 3D printing technology has the ability to advance Jamaica from its current position to become a more economically viable country. Research limitations/implications Time was a limitation for the researchers in conducting this study. As a result, a more robust field study is needed to fully understand the impact of the fourth industrial revolution technologies on the maritime and tourism industries. Practical implications An investment in a floating dry dock and 3D printing technology will spur job creation. The researchers expect improved economic activity in Jamaica resulting from many businesses being created and/or improved. Social implications The quality of life is expected to increase because of the greater economic yields the country will receive from such investments. Originality/value This paper explored the combination of the floating dry dock and 3D printing technologies and their impact on the tourism and maritime industries in relation to increasing service value and economic yields.

3D PRINTING FOR SUSTAINABLE LOW-INCOME HOUSING IN SOUTH AFRICA: A CASE FOR THE URBAN POOR

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-141
Author(s):  
Douglas Aghimien ◽  
Clinton Aigbavboa ◽  
Lerato Aghimien ◽  
Wellington Thwala ◽  
Lebu Ndlovu
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Urban Poor ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
The Body ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Low Income Housing

ABSTRACT This paper presents the findings of an assessment of the possible measures needed for the adoption of three-dimensional (3D) printing for sustainable low-income houses that can be beneficial to the urban poor. The study adopted a quantitative approach and answers were sought from construction professionals actively involved in a construction project in the country. The study revealed through factor analysis that 3D printing for sustainable low-income housing delivery in South Africa could be encouraged through effective promotion and training, government support, improvement of 3D printing technology, and affordability of the technology. The study contributes significantly to the body of knowledge as it reveals the possible measures for improving the adoption of 3D printing in housing delivery in South Africa—an aspect that has not gained significant attention in the fourth industrial revolution and housing delivery discourse in the country.

Recounting the Empowerment of Women in Rural Areas of KwaZulu-Natal from Information and Knowledge in the Fourth Industrial Revolution Era

Libri ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Glenrose Jiyane
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
The Body ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Critical Resource

Abstract The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) marks the new, advanced era of development in humankind, and globally countries are in the process of ensuring their citizenry’s readiness. In South Africa, various governmental departments, organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-profit organisations (NPOs) are making efforts, through their plans, talks and actions, to attain this status for all her people, particularly women in rural areas. However, the development of women in the rural areas for empowerment remains a concern in developing countries. Consequently, there is a dire need to ensure the developmental status for women in rural areas in the advent of the 4IR, and this paper seeks to demonstrate that information and knowledge may be instrumental in empowering women in rural areas to strive in the 4IR. Accordingly, information and knowledge are a critical resource contributing to the empowerment of women in rural areas for their development. An exploratory question is raised to determine whether South Africa is ready for Fourth Industrial Revolution. The outcome of this paper will contribute to the body of knowledge advocating the importance of information and knowledge in the empowerment of women in rural areas. Significantly, it will generate insights for policymakers on the important role of information and knowledge for women’s development.

Twitter users exhibited coping behaviours during the COVID-19 lockdown: an analysis of tweets using mixed methods

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruchi Mittal ◽  
Wasim Ahmed ◽  
Amit Mittal ◽  
Ishan Aggarwal
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
The Body ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Twitter Data ◽  
Long Run ◽  
The World ◽  
Twitter Users ◽  
The Government ◽  
Using Data

Purpose Using data from Twitter, the purpose of this paper is to assess the coping behaviour and reactions of social media users in response to the initial days of the COVID-19-related lockdown in different parts of the world. Design/methodology/approach This study follows the quasi-inductive approach which allows the development of pre-categories from other theories before the sampling and coding processes begin, for use in those processes. Data was extracted using relevant keywords from Twitter, and a sample was drawn from the Twitter data set to ensure the data is more manageable from a qualitative research standpoint and that meaningful interpretations can be drawn from the data analysis results. The data analysis is discussed in two parts: extraction and classification of data from Twitter using automated sentiment analysis; and qualitative data analysis of a smaller Twitter data sample. Findings This study found that during the lockdown the majority of users on Twitter shared positive opinions towards the lockdown. The results also found that people are keeping themselves engaged and entertained. Governments around the world have also gained support from Twitter users. This is despite the hardships being faced by citizens. The authors also found a number of users expressing negative sentiments. The results also found that several users on Twitter were fence-sitters and their opinions and emotions could swing either way depending on how the pandemic progresses and what action is taken by governments around the world. Research limitations/implications The authors add to the body of literature that has examined Twitter discussions around H1N1 using in-depth qualitative methods and conspiracy theories around COVID-19. In the long run, the government can help citizens develop routines that help the community adapt to a new dangerous environment – this has very effectively been shown in the context of wildfires in the context of disaster management. In the context of this research, the dominance of the positive themes within tweets is promising for policymakers and governments around the world. However, sentiments may wish to be monitored going forward as large-spikes in negative sentiment may highlight lockdown-fatigue. Social implications The psychology of humans during a pandemic can have a profound impact on how COVID-19 shapes up, and this shall also include how people behave with other people and with the larger environment. Lockdowns are the opposite of what societies strive to achieve, i.e. socializing. Originality/value This study is based on original Twitter data collected during the initial days of the COVID-19-induced lockdown. The topic of “lockdowns” and the “COVID-19” pandemic have not been studied together thus far. This study is highly topical.

COVID-19, migration and inclusive cities through e-governance: strategies to manage asylum seekers in Durban, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Kariuki ◽  
Maria Lauda Goyayi ◽  
Lizzy Oluwatoyin Ofusori
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Public Services ◽  
City Government ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Governance Strategies ◽  
The Government ◽  
The City

Purpose This paper aims to examine the role of electronic governance (e-governance) in enabling asylum seekers’ access to public services in the city of Durban, South Africa. Because of COVID-19, the government scaled down its operations, limiting access to public services, including among migrants. Design/methodology/approach Because of COVID-19-related restrictions, a systematic review was conducted of the relevant academic literature as well as the information portals of relevant government departments, municipalities and research reports on migration and refugees in South Africa. A total of 320 peer-reviewed research articles were identified. These were filtered and 68 relevant articles were selected. Findings The study found that asylum seekers have limited access to public services via information communication technology-enabled mechanisms. Whilst the city government has embraced e-governance, it is still in its nascent stages. Research limitations/implications This study was limited to a desktop one because of COVID-19 restrictions and it focused exclusively on asylum seekers. Therefore, its findings can only be generalised to this category of people. Practical implications Future studies on this subject should gather data from all categories of migrants to gain in-depth perspectives. Social implications All spheres of governance in South Africa should recognise asylum seekers as a constituency that deserves access to public services. E-governance can facilitate easier access to these services, and policies need to be aligned with this reality. Originality/value This study examined the efficacy of e-governance in enabling access to government services by asylum seekers during COVID-19. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no other study on this subject was conducted during this period.

Perceived effectiveness of e-governance as an underlying mechanism between good governance and public trust: a case of Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dadang Hartanto ◽  
Juhriyansyah Dalle ◽  
A. Akrim ◽  
Hastin Umi Anisah
Keyword(s):  
Local Governments ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Public Trust ◽  
The Body ◽  
Perceived Effectiveness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Governance Effectiveness ◽  
The Government

Purpose This study aims to investigate the association of perceived accountability, perceived responsiveness and perceived transparency, and public trust in local government. Additionally, mediation of the perceived effectiveness of e-governance was also tested between these relationships. Design/methodology/approach Using a quantitative cross-sectional field survey, primary data was collected at local administration levels from two cities in Indonesia. The final data set of 355 respondents was then analyzed using SmartPls3 and the measurement and structural models were tested. Findings Positive results were obtained for all the hypothesized links (direct and indirect relationships). The study’s findings revealed useful insights for policymakers and researchers regarding the public’s perception of good governance and their expectations from the government, which further lead toward trust in local governments. Practical implications The study concluded that good governance practices develop and enhance the public’s trust in the government, thus provided key policy directions. Originality/value This study contributes to the body of knowledge related to good governance elements and their impact on public trust in the local government via the underlying mechanism of perceived e-governance effectiveness in developing countries in general and particularly the Indonesian context. Moreover, it is a unique study in the good governance domain while considering three good governance elements into a single theoretical framework. Previous studies have explored these elements individually with public trust, so this combined framework advances the body of knowledge. This research’s findings also contributed toward validating good governance theory with e-governance effectiveness and public trust integration in a single comprehensive framework. This research also helped answer the questions arising from past literature about declining public trust trends in local governments.

Oil will drive record Guyana growth again in 2022

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
National Development ◽  
Oil Industry ◽  
Medium Term ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Plans ◽  
The Government ◽  
Wage Increases ◽  
Oil And Gas Sector

Significance As in 2020 and 2021, this projected growth will be driven by the ongoing expansion of the oil and gas sector, and related investment and state revenues. These rising revenues will support the government’s ambitious national development plans, which include both increased social and infrastructure spending. Impacts The government will prioritise enhancing the oil and gas investment framework. Investment into joint oil and gas infrastructure with Suriname will benefit the growing oil industry in both countries. The expansionary fiscal policy may lead to a rise in inflation, leading to further calls for wage increases. In the medium term, strong growth in the oil and gas sector could lead to increased climate change activism in the country.

Growth prospects, market challenges and policy measures: evolution of mobile broadband in Pakistan

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Shehzad Hanif ◽  
Shao Yunfei ◽  
Muhammad Imran Hanif
Keyword(s):  
Developing Country ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mobile Broadband ◽  
Broadband Service ◽  
Policy Measures ◽  
The Government

Purpose The paper aims to explore the long-term prospects of mobile broadband adoption in a developing country. The supply-side and demand-side policy measures are recommended to counter the challenges to broadband adoption. Design/methodology/approach Methodologically, this study uses document analysis to explain secondary data including growth statistics, trade literature and previous scholarly research. Based on the growth statistics of broadband and the informed market insights, the research discusses the prevailing market threats and recommends counter measures to improve the long-term prospects of broadband propagation. Findings The growth of mobile broadband is settling down in Pakistan due to various barriers like cost, literacy, security and unavailability of local content. Collaborative efforts are required by the government, the service providers and the people to enhance the adoption of broadband service and secure economic benefits of the broadband. Practical implications The research offers useful implications for managers and policymakers in Asian and African developing countries; the policy measures discussed here may serve as guidelines for them in the design of their own policies regarding broadband supply and demand. Originality/value The study makes an effort to examine the broadband growth in a developing country on the basis of both quantitative and qualitative aspects. The research endeavors to fill the gap on the particular scholarship of research covering potential uptake of broadband services and the effects of constraining elements to broadband adoption in a developing country.

scholarly journals Insurance and Technical Education in National Development – A Wakeup Call.

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2S9) ◽  
pp. 290-297
Keyword(s):  
New Product Development ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Technical Education ◽  
National Development ◽  
Secondary Source ◽  
Peace Of Mind ◽  
Sense Of Security ◽  
Development Plans ◽  
The Government

Development on national basis is imperative to the sustenance and growth of a Nation. The focus of the paper is on the imperative of insurance and technical education towards national development. The methodology adopted is mainly secondary source, relevant materials were considered and opinion formed. The various development plans in Nigeria from First Development Plan (1962 – 1968) to the most recent of National Industrial Revolution Plan of 2014. Technical education as a strategy for National Development. The experience of countries such as Malaysia, South Korea, Australia and Japan among others as guide for Nigeria. Means of acquiring technical education was also explained. The challenges encountered by the provider of technical education, such peoples attitude to technical education, dearth of teachers and instructors on technical education, funding among others. The paper also took a critical look at the role of insurance in National Development. These roles includes; offering Insurance and financial protection, instilling sense of security and peace of mind, acting as stabilizing factor, acting as institutional investor, and public safety and new product development. Other roles include; enhancing financial security and peace of mind among others. It was further stated that for insurance to function effectively in this role, the government and other stakeholders have a role to play. In conclusion, suggestions for improvement to enable insurance and technical education contribute positively to national development includes Government training Institutions, Parent and Guardian, Development Partners and Employers as stakeholders who must be ready to play a proactive role to achieve a sustainable national development of our dream.

Meeting the Challenge of Unemployment?

2014 ◽  
Vol 652 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicoli Nattrass
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Investor Sentiment ◽  
National Development ◽  
Significant Feature ◽  
Wage Setting ◽  
Trade Union Movement ◽  
High Productivity ◽  
Labor Policies ◽  
National Priority ◽  
The Government

South Africa has one of the highest rates of unemployment in the world. Job creation is a national priority, yet labor-intensive options are derided by the trade union movement as an unacceptable throwback to the “cheap labor” policies of apartheid, and effectively ruled out by the government in its recent National Development Plan (NDP). Instead, minimum-wage setting in South Africa continues to contribute to job destruction (as evidenced most recently in the clothing industry). Policy-makers hope that support for high-productivity firms and rapid economic growth will make up for job losses and solve the unemployment problem. Unfortunately, South Africa’s economic performance has been comparatively disappointing and constrained by negative investor sentiment, especially with regard to the labor market. The NDP has called for a social accord between labor and capital. But the prospects are not promising, and unemployment is likely to remain a significant feature of the South African economic landscape.

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